Blast rocks fuel tanks near Cairo airport (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

A massive explosion has occurred in the vicinity of Cairo International Airport. Images shared on social media show large plumes of smoke rising up in the air.

Civil defense authorities deployed to the scene reportedly managed to bring the blaze under control in less than an hour. Police vehicles, security services and ambulances also rushed to the area of the incident, although there were no reports of any casualties or injuries.

The explosion, which happened around 10:30 pm local time, occurred at two fuel storage tanks outside the airport, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister said, according to Reuters. The minister also denied initial reports that air traffic at the airport was affected.

While flights have not been affected, some witnesses described the car traffic in and out of the airport as a “nightmare.”

The cause of the detonation and fire at the fuel depot is unknown as of yet. Authorities are investigating the incident.

It seems like the explosion was not at Cairo airport itself but close to it.. My relative took these pictures from his house pic.twitter.com/MJEby6QIt8